Italy hosts various cultural events marking 800 years since death of Saint Francis

Various regions across Italy are hosting cultural and religious events to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In Assisi, over 50 international Madonnari artists will gather from August 28 to 30 to create large-scale ephemeral street art in the Basilica's lower square. Meanwhile, Tagliacozzo is concluding its 42nd Midsummer International Festival with a performance by Aldo Cazzullo titled ‘Francesco,’ exploring the saint's role in Italian identity.

In Basilicata, the ‘Fantastico Cinema’ series has concluded its tour through various castles, featuring films by Roberto Rossellini and discussions on the cinematic portrayal of the saint. Other regional activities include a children's treasure hunt in Bevagna, an art exhibition call for entries in Pietrasanta, and spiritual readings and community festivals in Cuglieri ahead of the arrival of a saint's relic in October.